Major sporting events that took place in 2024
Several major sporting events took place across various continents this year.
From the Paris 2024 Olympics to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the year 2024 will always be a memorable one for sports fans around the world.
As the year draws to a close, here’s a recap of some of the global sporting events that took place in 2024:
AFC Asian Cup
The AFC Asian Cup, which kicked off at the beginning of the year in Qatar from 12 January to 10 February, saw the 2022 World Cup host defend their title on home soil. Qatar defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final to clinch their second trophy.
Africa Cup of Nations
The AFCON, which also happened at the start of the year from 13 January to 11 February, witnessed the host nation, Ivory Coast, fight against all odds in a tournament comeback after they almost exited in the group stages. The Ivorians defeated Nigeria in the final—coming back from behind to hand the Super Eagles their first defeat of the tournament in a 2-1 victory to secure their third title.
Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics—which opened on July 26 and ended on August 11—saw thousands of athletes from various countries feature. Seasoned athletes like Simone Biles showcased why they were the best at what they do, whilst newcomers like Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo announced themselves on the Olympic stage with a historic debut. New records were set, and historic milestones were reached as Paris passed the Olympic torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games.
Paris 2024 Paralympics
Shortly after the end of Paris 2024, the Paralympics followed from August 28 to September 8, with thousands of para-athletes competing in various events. The Paralympics was hailed as hugely successful, with millions in ticket sales. Like the Olympics, the Paralympic Games also witnessed athletes break milestones—Nigerian athlete Mariam Eniola Bolaji, an 18-year-old, became the first African to win a badminton medal at either the Paralympic or Olympic Games.
Copa America
Lionel Messi and his boys secured a record-breaking 16th Copa America title for Argentina after defeating Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The Copa America—the oldest continental football tournament in the world—took place from June 20 to July 14 in the United States. The Albicelestes defended their title against 15 other teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
Formula One World Championship
Yet another thrilling season of the Formula One World Championship, as racers began their season on March 2 in Bahrain and ended on December 8 in Abu Dhabi. The championship featured a record total of twenty-four Grands Prix held across the globe. Dutch driver Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT, claimed his fourth World Drivers' Championship title. Meanwhile, McLaren-Mercedes secured their ninth World Constructors' Championship, marking their first victory in this category since 1998.
World Chess Championships
The World Chess Championship 2024 pitted defending champion Ding Liren of China against Indian challenger Gukesh Dommaraju between 25 November and 12 December 2024 in Singapore. Ultimately, the 18-year-old Gukesh defeated the world champion to become the youngest undisputed world champion.
UEFA European Football Championship
Football did not come home as many English fans were once again made to wait for that first Euro title. Like that night in Wembley, the ‘Italian Job’ in the Euro 2020 final, the Three Lions suffered defeat—this time against a revamped Spaniard side that eliminated host Germany and heavyweight France. Many would argue that the tournament, which took place from June 14 to July 14, not only secured Spain its fourth title but also became the main catalyst in Rodri overtaking Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d’Or.
Source: Global South World
